If you’re staring at the green splash screen wondering what’s on Hulu now, you’ve picked a wild week to dive in. It’s January 2026, and the streamer isn’t playing it safe. Usually, January is where movies go to die, but Hulu has somehow turned the "post-holiday slump" into a massive content dump that actually matters.
From the return of the most toxic couple on television to Ryan Murphy’s latest fever dream, the lineup is honestly a lot to process. You’ve got procedural comfort food like The Rookie rubbing shoulders with gritty Victorian bare-knuckle boxing.
Basically, your weekend plans are toast.
The Headliners: Returning Favorites and New Obsessions
Let's talk about the heavy hitters first. If you haven't seen the promos for Tell Me Lies Season 3, I don't know where you've been hiding. It dropped on January 13, and Grace Van Patten and Jackson White are back at it. Their characters, Lucy and Stephen, have rekindled their disastrous romance just in time for the spring semester at Baird College. It’s stressful. It’s addictive. It’s exactly why we pay for streaming.
Then there’s A Thousand Blows Season 2, which landed on January 9. Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, took everything that worked in the first season—the 1880s London setting, the illegal boxing, the sheer grime—and turned the volume up. Stephen Graham is doing what he does best, which is being terrifying and vulnerable all at once.
If you're more into "comfort procedurals," you're in luck. Both The Rookie Season 8 and Will Trent Season 4 premiered on January 7. Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan is officially the oldest "non-rookie" at this point, but the show still hits those perfect ABC beats. Will Trent, based on Karin Slaughter’s novels, continues to be the smartest crime show no one talks about enough.
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What to Watch Right Now (The Quick List)
- Tell Me Lies (Season 3): Two episodes out now, more weekly.
- A Thousand Blows (Season 2): Full season available for the binge-watchers.
- The Rookie (Season 8): Catch up on the first few episodes of the new season.
- Will Trent (Season 4): New cases, same amazing suits.
- The Beauty (Series Premiere): Dropping January 21—mark your calendar for this Evan Peters/Ryan Murphy reunion.
The Ryan Murphy Effect: Why The Beauty is a Big Deal
Speaking of The Beauty, it's the thing everyone will be arguing about on social media by next Wednesday. Premiering January 21, it’s an FX on Hulu exclusive that feels like a mix of Nip/Tuck and American Horror Story.
The premise is kinda brilliant and terrifying: a sexually transmitted virus makes people physically perfect. We’re talking "supermodel" levels of beauty. But, because this is a Ryan Murphy joint, there’s a catch. It’s literally killing people. Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall play FBI agents investigating the deaths, and honestly, the visuals alone are worth the price of admission.
The Movie Library Just Got a Massive Upgrade
Hulu’s movie section used to be a bit of a "wait and see" situation, but they’ve stacked the deck this month. On New Year’s Day, they added a mountain of library titles. If you’re a fan of the Predator franchise, you can now watch the original 1987 classic, Predator 2, Predators, and the 2018 The Predator all in one place. They join the Hulu original Prey and the new anthology Predator: Killer of Killers.
But it’s not all aliens and gore.
For something a bit more... refined? Check out Wicked Little Letters (arriving January 27). It’s a black comedy mystery starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. It’s based on a true story about a 1920s seaside town plagued by anonymous, profanity-laced letters. It’s hilarious. It’s foul-mouthed. It’s perfect.
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Some Other Movies You Should Definitely Stream
- Twinless (2025): Dylan O’Brien stars in this dark dramedy about two men who meet in a twin support group. It just hit the platform on January 16.
- The Roses (2025): Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman (again!) in a reimagining of The War of the Roses. It's brutal.
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024): Arriving January 22 for those who missed the theatrical run.
- The Abyss (1989): James Cameron’s deep-sea epic finally resurfaced on January 1.
Reality TV Chaos: From Dr. Now to The Masked Singer
Look, sometimes you just want to turn your brain off. Hulu knows this. That’s why the reality slate for January is unhinged in the best way.
The Masked Singer Season 14 kicked off on January 8. I still don't know how that show is still on, but here we are. On January 22, we get something a bit more intense: The 6,000 lb Diaries with Dr. Now. It’s a spin-off from the My 600-lb Life universe, focusing on long-term journeys.
Then there’s Next Level Chef Season 5 on January 30. Gordon Ramsay yelling at people in a three-story kitchen is a specific kind of therapy.
Hidden Gems You’re Probably Skipping
While everyone is talking about The Bear (which isn't new this month, but you should still watch it) or Only Murders in the Building, there are a few smaller titles that deserve your time.
Sitting Bull, a historical series exploring the life of the Lakota leader, premiered on January 15. It’s a beautifully shot, indigenous-led production that tackles the Battle of the Little Bighorn from a perspective we rarely see in mainstream media. It’s heavy, but it’s essential viewing.
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And for the music nerds, Bruce Springsteen: Nebraska Live (2025) dropped on January 7. It’s a raw, intimate look at the Boss performing one of his most influential albums.
What’s Leaving Hulu in January 2026?
Streaming is a revolving door, so don't get too comfortable. You have until January 26 to catch Jeepers Creepers: Reborn before it disappears. Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman is also out the door on January 31.
Basically, if you see something you like that isn't a "Hulu Original," watch it sooner rather than later. Licenses are shorter than they used to be.
Actionable Steps for Your Watchlist
If you're feeling overwhelmed, here is how you should prioritize your "what's on Hulu now" adventure:
- Start with Tell Me Lies Season 3 if you want that "watercooler" drama everyone is talking about.
- Set a reminder for January 21 for The Beauty. It’s going to be the biggest show of the month.
- Queue up Twinless for your next movie night. Dylan O'Brien's dual performance is legit.
- Download the Hulu app's "New" section to your favorites. With the Disney+ integration, things are moving faster than they did back in 2024.
Check your subscription tier, too. If you’re still on the ad-supported plan, some of these "FX on Hulu" shows feel much better without a break every eight minutes, especially the darker ones like The Beauty.
Now, go clear some space on your DVR—not that we use those anymore. Just start clicking.